Legislation & Regulation
New Mining Regulations in Maine
February 2014 by Associated Press
Renewed interest in mining of gold, silver, copper and other metals in Aroostook County’s Bald Mountain triggered 2012 legislation requiring the overhaul of the state’s two-decade-old mining regulations.
The Democratic-controlled state Legislature, however, will have the final say on the new rules, which could be the subject of a heated battle.
The Department of Environmental Protection, which drafted the regulations, has said the rules are based on science, meet the requirements of law and protect the environment. But some environmentalists are angry over what they say are insufficient protections.
The final BEP rules opened up some conservation land to underground mining, allowed mining companies to potentially treat contaminated water in perpetuity, and allowed mining companies to start construction without providing full financial assurances—although those financial obligations must be fully met before mining can commence.
Nick Bennett from the Natural Resources Council of Maine said the BEP made some last-minute changes and ignored hundreds of public comments calling for stronger rules.
But any mining operations are likely years away. J.D. Irving Ltd., owner of Bald Mountain, says it still doesn’t know if mining is feasible and that any mining operation is at least five years away.
What Can I Do to Save My Mining Rights?
We can either surrender or draw a line in the sand and fight to hold the remaining mining rights we still have.
PLP and MMAC Update
We have an opportunity to make significant and substantial changes to provide relief for small miners with the Trump Administration and the current makeup of Congress. We realize the time to act is now, but we need your help.
Mining Districts: A Short Review of Legal Authorities
Mining Districts are the private regulatory authority granted by Congress recognized to regulate the mineral lands held by the United States and for the disposal to citizens of the United States, by means of development and potentially perfected by patent.
Annual Claim Fees Due September 3, 2013
Because September 1 falls on a Sunday this year; and Monday, September 2, is a holiday, the BLM will accept yearly filings through September 3.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Two million acres of proposed habitat
• Last chance for Nevada claim refunds
• California suction gold dredging update
MMAC & PLP Update
I’ve received quite a few inquiries from miners who are beginning to realize that traditional Mining Districts are powerful entities and they are looking to get their district organized if it’s in disarray.
MMAC Update
One caller wondered why he should be required to join MMAC, asked why MMAC was not a non-profit, and compared it to some kind of extortion attempt. If he had questions like these, I assume there are others with similar questions and I will address them here.
Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill
• Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Ask the Experts
• Ask the Experts
• Ask the Experts
• Ask the Experts
• Our Readers Say
• The Perfect Summer
• Eolian Gold Deposits
• Copper Deposits of Alaska
• Divide and Conquer—Detecting Old Placer Grounds with Friends
• Reserves and Resources Explained
• Critical Metals: Lithium
• Coprolite—A Prospector's Tale
• Comstock Mining Gets Approval
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices
